Wind vane self-steering apparatus

ABSTRACT

A wind influenced vane mounted on the hull of a sailing vessel is pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes and suitably connected to the tiller to compensate for diversion of the boat from its selected course. The tiller control lines pass through a double block located sufficiently eccentric of the vertical mounting of the vane so that the vane may have adequate rotation about its vertical axis, for instance in case of tacking across the eye of the wind, without interference or fouling between the mentioned vertical mounting and the lines. The tiller operating leverage ratio and also the sensitivity of the vane are adjustable. The vane is formed by a pliable bag or sleeve snugly encompassing a U-shaped frame, the bag having a bottom opening so as to tend to inflate during its movement through the air or other supporting fluid to assume a generally cambered shape responsive to crosswinds for better utilizing the dynamic forces thereof.

United States Patent Green Sept. 9, 1975 WIND VANE SELF-STEERING APPARATUS 57 ABSTRACT [75] Inventor: William Lawrence Green, Houston,

Tex. A wind influenced vane mounted on the hull of a sailing vessel is pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes [73] Asslgnee: Green & Housmn and suitably connected to the tiller to compensate for diversion of the boat from its selected course. The [22] Filed: 11, 1974 tiller control lines pass through a double block located sufficiently eccentric of the vertical mounting of the Appl- N05 vane so that the vane may have adequate rotation about its vertical axis, for instance in case of tacking [52] CL U 114 144 4 93 across the eye of the wind, without interference or 51 Int. c1. B63" 25/02 fouling belwfifirt [he mentiqfled vertical mounting and [58] Field 0 Search H 114/144 I44 C, 103; the lines. The tiller operatmg leverage ratio and also 73 1 137 gg; 4 93 the sensitivity of the vane are adjustable. The vane is formed by a pliable bag or sleeve snugly encompassing [56] References cu a U-shaped frame, the bag having a bottom opening so UNITED STATES PATENTS as to tend to inflate during its movement through the air or other supporting fluid to assume a generally cambered shape responsive to crosswinds for better 3:39l:668 7/l968 Birchill I: v .1 114/103 mulling the dynamic forces 3,678,S78 7/1972 Ross-Clunis 1, 114/144 C Primary ExaminerTrygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Charles E1 Frankfort Attorney, Agent, or FirmBertram Hv Mann; Frank B. Pugsley 14 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures WIND VANE SELF-STEERING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to vane-type self-steering devices for sailboats and the like and consists in novel means for improving the sensitivity, strength, durability, simplicity, and ready adjustability thereof.

Previous self-steering wind vane devices for sailboats and the like, rotating about vertical and horizontal axes, in general, have been complicated and expensive, bulky and heavy, not readily disconnectable either for correcting the course of the vessel or for removing the apparatus from the vessel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vastly improved self-steering vane apparatus in which the vane is capable of nearly 360-degree rotation relative to the boat, as during change of course, Without fouling the tiller control lines and without changing the polarity of the lines.

Another object is to provide for greater sensitivity of the apparatus to varying wind conditions.

Still another object is to provide an improved vane structure which better utilizes dynamic characteristics of the wind than previous vanes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, the wind vane is mounted on a convenient part of the vessel, for instance, the stern, by means of a vertical pivoting rod and also a horizontal pivot or hinge at the lower edge of the vane. Steering control lines extend oppositely from the steerer through a double block, thence through suitable pulleys or fair leads at the opposite sides of the vessel to the tiller so that even slight deviations of the boat from the selected course will expose the vane to crosswind pressure to cause pivoting about its horizontal axis which, in turn, is translated to tiller movement for correcting the boat direction. The attachments of the mentioned control lines to the tiller are slidable therealong, as by means of a control cord, so as to vary the effective lever arm of the tiller and, accordingly, the sensitivity of its response to vane movements. The vane is counterweighted and also carries an adjusting weight which is movable along the vane to variably affect the counterweight action so that the vane may be made more or less sensitive to wind currents. Finally, the vane itself is constructed of generally U-shaped, tubular framing which is encompassed by a bag or sleeve of pliable material closed at the top and secured at its open bottom to the lower ends of the framing legs. The wind moving over the surface of the vane is at a lower pressure than the static air trapped inside the vane sleeve,,so the vane has a tendency to inflate. When the vane is turned to even slightly face a crosswind, the weather face of the vane will be slightly indented and the opposite face slightly bulged to give the vane a cambered shaping which better utilizes the applied air forces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention,

FIG. 1 is a rear end view of the hull ofa sailing vessel upon which the novel steering vane apparatus is mounted.

FIG. IA is an enlarged view of a detail in FIG. I.

FIG. 1B is a cross section taken on line 18-18 of FIG. I.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the structure in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the structure in FIGS. I and 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear end view showing the vane mounting structures and various control lines.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the structure in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the structure in FIGS. 4 and 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY FORM FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show the stern portion 10 of a sailing vessel having a rudder I] connected by extension board 12 to the tiller I3 projecting forwardly within the boat. A pivot shaft 17 is secured vertically to the stern by means of brackets and 16. The shaft is rotatable within these brackets and has a collar I8 resting on upper bracket 16. A pin 18a prevents unintentional upward dislodgement of the shaft. The course-setting drum 19 is centrally secured to rod I7 by means of a hub 20 and roll pin 21. At the upper end of pivot rod 17 there is secured a T-fitting 22 in turn secured to a horizontal pivot tube 23 rotatably received at its ends in bearings 24 and 25 depending from the wane mounting casting 26. Casting 26 forms a clevis 26a between which is received a wooden panel 27 by means of a pin 28 having a gripping ring 28a for quick removal of the vane. Brackets 29 and 30 are mounted on the opposite edges of the panel.

A generally U-shaped frame 32 of lightweight tubular material, for instance aluminum, has its lower leg extremities 33 and 34 firmly secured in brackets 29 and 30. Snugly encompassing framing 32 is an envelope or sleeve 36 of suitable pliable material, preferably impervious, with its open, lower end reinforced at and se cured to panel 27 by means of ties 37.

Casting 26, at its edges, has reinforcing ribs 38 which terminate downwardly in the mentioned bearings 24 and 25 best shown in FIG. 4, receiving horizontal vane pivoting tube 23 by means of ball bearings 24a and 25a. Thus, the vane, casting 26, rod I7, and drum l9 rotate together about the vertical axis of rod 17. On the other hand, the vane also may pivot about horizontal pivot 23 and relative to vertical pivot rod 17, drum l9, and the boat.

As best shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, horizontal pivot 23 is formed by a piece of tube extending through T- fitting 22 which may be closer to one end than the other, as shown. Journal bearing 25 is of generally annular shape and is encompassed by partial turns of tiller control lines 39 and 40, to be referred to in greater detail hereafter. Ball bearings 24a and 25a are held in place by means of plugs 43 and 44, lodged in the ends of tube 23 by roll pins.

Depending from bearing boss 24 by means of the short suspension rod 45 is the counterweight 46 which tends to maintain the vane erect, in opposition, for instsance, to gravity and wind forces applied to the vane. A double block 49 is mounted on drum 19 by means of a swivel connection 50, which preferably will be Substantially closer to the periphery of the drum than is shown in FIGS. 4-6. Previously mentioned tiller control lines 39 and are terminally secured, as by means of knots 51 and 52, to casting 26 (FIG. 6) and pass around journal bearing structure 25, thence through double block 49. These lines then pass through a double block 55 mounted along one rail of the hull at some distance from the stern (FIG. 2). One line 40 extends to and through a single block or sheave 56 mounted on the opposite side of the hull at the same distance forward from the stern. A ratio adjustment line 57 extends along a portion of tiller l3 and is knotted or otherwise equipped at one end to form loops 58 and 59 which encompass the tiller. Tiller control lines 39 and 40, respectively, pass from double block 55 and single block 56 (FIG. 2), through loops 58 and 59, then forwardly along the tiller to points of securement in cleats 60. The arrangement of the tiller control lines 39 and 40 is such that as the vane oscillates about its horizontal pivot member 23, the control lines 39 and 40 will be actuated oppositely so as to turn the tiller and with it the rudder in one direction or the other to compensate for such wind change or diversion of the course of the boat as causes the vane to intersect the wind.

Slidable in one of the hollow legs of U-shaped vane frame 32 is an adjustment weight 62 (FIG. 1A). A cord 65 extends from weight 62 over the curved top of the U-frame, thence downwardly through the opposite leg and through an opening 66 near the lower end thereof to a point of securement, as in a clutch cleat 67, then through a similar opening in and up the other leg to and through the weight. Weight 62 acts to moderate the effect of counterbalance weight 46, and this effect can be varied by adjustment of the position of weight 62 vertically or spanwise in its frame leg by means of the exposed portion of cord 65, upon release thereof from securement 67. Raising of weight 62 tends to increase the vane tilting effect of the wind-in other words, makes the vane more sensitive. On the other hand, lowering of weight 62 tends to increase the stabilizing effect of counterbalance weight 46 and thereby to render the vane less sensitive to wind force.

Course setting drum 19 may be manipulated by lines 68 and 69, with several turns wound on the drum and normally secured in cleats 70. Release of lines 68 and 69 from the cleats permits rotation of drum l9 and the vane thereby, as will be explained, to permit orientation of the edge of the vane into the eye of the wind.

OPERATION As previously stated, the vane structure can be mounted at any suitable point on the boat hull. for instance. at the stern, as shown, or on a boomkin or other overhanging structure, for best vane action. With the tiller controlling and course setting lines rigged as shown in FIG. 2, the desired course of the boat will be set by pilot manipulation of the tiller. Thereupon, course setting lines 68 and 69 will be released from cleats 70 permitting the vane to be swung into alignment with the wind direction with one of its edges, say, the lefthand edge in FIGS. 1 and 2, facing directly windward, then lines 68 and 69 will be cleated at 70. Tiller control lines 39 and 40 will then be secured in clutch cleats 60, thus locking the vane and tiller motions. Thereupon, any deviation of the boat from the desired course will result in turning the vane so as to vary the exposure of one face or the other thereof windward, resulting in tilting of the vane in proportion to the wind force, the amount of course deviation of the boat, and the counter balance force of weights 46 and 62. The size of the vane may be varied in accordance with the contemplated wind conditions by pulling pin 28 and installing a smaller or larger vane. Also, a certain amount of adjustment may be attained by means of sliding weight 62 to make the vane more or less sensitive to the wind. In case the course of the boat is intentionally changed, tiller control lines 39 and 40 will be removed from cleats 60 and course control lines 68 and 69 will be released from cleats permitting the vane to be oriented into its new operating position with its upstream edge facing windward and the lines 68 and 69 again clutched in cleats 70 and tiller control lines 39 and 40 recleated at 60.

The eccentric mounting of double block 49 on vane base drum 19 has the effect of permitting only slightly less than 360 degrees of rotation of the drum, relative to the boat axis, without fouling the tiller control lines 39 and 40 on vertical pivot rod 17 or other mounting structure. Actually, no fouling will occur between control lines 39 and 40 and vertical pivot rod 17 except during about five to ten degrees of are on the opposite side of drum [9 from line guides 55. If movement of the vane in this region is necessary, it will, as in the case of the prior art, be necessary to rotate the vane degrees, bringing its opposite edge to windward which, in turn, requires disconnection of the tiller control lines from their clutch cleats 60 and reversal of the polarity of these lines (using hooks in the lines). in some prior art examples, it is necessary to so change the position ing of the vane and polarity of the tiller control lines each time the boat is tacked across the eye of the wind, to prevent fouling of the lines.

While self-steering devices in general relieve the crew of the continued and fatiguing job of keeping the boat on course, the novel self-steering apparatus herein disclosed excels all prior self-steering systems in maintenance of the desired course and effective action in light winds and lumpy seas. The extra sensitiveness of the herein described apparatus results from several of the features above described. For instance, the provision and correct operation of adjustment weight 62 and also ratio adjustment line 57 are important in adapting the apparatus to particular weather conditions. Furthermore, the novel vane construction has a number of advantages. Due to the bag-like construction of the vane cover with its bottom opening, the vane in operation will be inflated to assume a generally oval shape, due to the decrease of pressure in the air streams applied to the outer walls thereof in relation to the internal pressure, which is that of ambient atmosphere. Furthermore, the softness of the vane walls improves the aerodynamic action of the vane. tending to avoid turbulence. Finally, the inflated vane in action assumes a cambered shape, as illustrated in FIG. 18, due to the depressing effect of the wind on the weather side of the vane, along the lines of the camber of an airfoil. This results in greater lift and increased nonstalling range of action.

The novel self-steering apparatus will work better on a well-balanced boat. It is more versatile and sensitive, less complicated and easier to operate than other devices available today. The opening in the vane cover bag may be elsehwere than at the bottom, as shown. For instance, there may be an entry hole in an exposed part of one of the frame legs and an exit hole for air inside the bag. Moreover, the entry hole may face windward to take advantage of the ram effect of the wind. Also, the cover bag may be free of holes, i.e., sealed, and preinflated. The exclusive use of all modifications as come within the scope of the appended claims is contemplated.

1 claim:

1. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having a tiller, comprising a horizontally pivoted vane, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, a second pivotal mounting for said vane, a pair of guide members adjacent said vane and movable therewith about said second pivotal mounting, and tiller control lines connecting said vane and said tiller and passing about said guide members, said vane being shiftable about said horizontal mounting by wind action to reflect changes in orientation of the boat on which the apparatus is mounted relative to the wind direction, for actuating said lines and said tiller to compensate for such change and thereby maintain the boat on a selected course, said guide members being located side-by-side and close together and being positioned eccentrically of said second pivotal mounting to facilitate maximum rotation of said vane and said guide members about said second pivotal mounting without fouling of said lines against said second mounting.

2. Self'steering apparatus as described in claim 1 in which said guide members constitute a double block mounted for swivel movements on said second pivotal mounting.

3. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 2 in which said second pivotal mounting is substantially vertical and said vane is shaped to cause normal windinduced orientation thereof into the eye of the wind, counterbalance means tending to maintain said vane erect in opposition to transverse wind forces, and means to rotate said vane and said double block together relative to said vertical mounting after the se lected course of the boat has been established.

4. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 3 further including a drum secured about said vertical mounting, course control lines received about said drum, and line securing means on the boat remote from said drum for securement and release of said drum.

5. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 3 in which said tiller control lines have adjustable attachment to said tiller for varying the leverage ratio between said vane and said tiller.

6. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 5 in which said tiller control lines have slidable attachment to said tiller and further including a ratio adjustment element secured to said attachment for shifting the same along said tiller.

7. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 6 in which said tiller control lines are terminally secured to said tiller and said ratio adjustment element comprises a cord with a looped portion slidably encompassing said tiller and control lines to cause said latter lines to extend in part along said tiller, said looped portion being slidable along said tiller and said cords to vary the effective lever arm of said tiller.

8. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 7 further including clutching cleat means on said tiller for quick securement and detachment of said cords.

9. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 3 in which said vane has at least one spanwise bracing element and further including a counterweight adjustment device slidable along said bracing element for varying the sensitivity of said vane.

10. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 9 in which said vane includes a U-shaped frame, said adjustment device comprising a weight slidably carried in a leg of said frame and further including an adjustment line extending from said weight through said frame and with an exposed portion for manual manipulation of said device.

11. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim I in which said vane comprises a frame and an open bottom envelope of flexible material received on said frame.

12. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having steering means comprising a vane including a normally upright frame member, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, lines connecting said vane and said steering means for translating tilting of said vane about said horizontal mounting to actuate said steering means upon relative changes between the apparent wind direction and the selected course of the boat to compensate for such changes, a counterweight depending from said vane and tending to maintain said vane erect, a weight slidable in said frame, and a control element extending from said weight and with an exposed portion for manipulation of said weight to vary the sensitivity of said vane to cross winds.

13. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having a tiller, comprising a vane, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, control means connecting said vane and said tiller for actuating said tiller upon tilting of said vane about said horizontal mounting upon relative changes between the apparent wind direction and the selected course of the boat to compensate for such changes, said control means having a slidable connection to said tiller, and an adjustment element connected to said connection for varying the effective lever arm of said tiller.

l4. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having a tiller, comprising a vane having a U-shaped tubular frame and wind-catching material between legs of said frame, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, control lines connecting said vane and said tiller for actuating said tiller upon tilting of said vane about said horizontal mounting upon relative changes between the apparent wind direction and the selected course of the boat to compensate for such changes, said control lines being terminally secured to said tiller and having normally inactive portions extending partway therealong, and an adjustment cord also extending along said tiller and having a looped extremity embracing said tiller and said control lines and slidable along the same to vary the effective lever arm of said tiller. 

1. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having a tiller, comprising a horizontally pivoted vane, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, a second pivotal mounting for said vane, a pair of guide members adjacent said vane and movable therewith about said second pivotal mounting, and tiller control lines connecting said vane and said tiller and passing about said guide members, said vane being shiftable about said horizontal mounting by wind action to reflect changes in orientation of the boat on which the apparatus is mounted relative to the wind direction, for actuating said lines and said tiller to compensate for such change and thereby maintain the boat on a selected course, said guide members being located side-by-side and close together and being positioned eccentrically of said second pivotal mounting to facilitate maximum Rotation of said vane and said guide members about said second pivotal mounting without fouling of said lines against said second mounting.
 2. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 1 in which said guide members constitute a double block mounted for swivel movements on said second pivotal mounting.
 3. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 2 in which said second pivotal mounting is substantially vertical and said vane is shaped to cause normal wind-induced orientation thereof into the eye of the wind, conunterbalance means tending to maintain said vane erect in opposition to transverse wind forces, and means to rotate said vane and said double block together relative to said vertical mounting after the selected course of the boat has been established.
 4. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 3 further including a drum secured about said vertical mounting, course control lines received about said drum, and line securing means on the boat remote from said drum for securement and release of said drum.
 5. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 3 in which said tiller control lines have adjustable attachment to said tiller for varying the leverage ratio between said vane and said tiller.
 6. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 5 in which said tiller control lines have slidable attachment to said tiller and further including a ratio adjustment element secured to said attachment for shifting the same along said tiller.
 7. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 6 in which said tiller control lines are terminally secured to said tiller and said ratio adjustment element comprises a cord with a looped portion slidably encompassing said tiller and control lines to cause said latter lines to extend in part along said tiller, said looped portion being slidable along said tiller and said cords to vary the effective lever arm of said tiller.
 8. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 7 further including clutching cleat means on said tiller for quick securement and detachment of said cords.
 9. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 3 in which said vane has at least one spanwise bracing element and further including a counterweight adjustment device slidable along said bracing element for varying the sensitivity of said vane.
 10. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 9 in which said vane includes a U-shaped frame, said adjustment device comprising a weight slidably carried in a leg of said frame and further including an adjustment line extending from said weight through said frame and with an exposed portion for manual manipulation of said device.
 11. Self-steering apparatus as described in claim 1 in which said vane comprises a frame and an open bottom envelope of flexible material received on said frame.
 12. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having steering means comprising a vane including a normally upright frame member, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, lines connecting said vane and said steering means for translating tilting of said vane about said horizontal mounting to actuate said steering means upon relative changes between the apparent wind direction and the selected course of the boat to compensate for such changes, a counterweight depending from said vane and tending to maintain said vane erect, a weight slidable in said frame, and a control element extending from said weight and with an exposed portion for manipulation of said weight to vary the sensitivity of said vane to cross winds.
 13. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having a tiller, comprising a vane, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, control means connecting said vane and said tiller for actuating said tiller upon tilting of said vane about said horizontal mounting upon relative changes between the apparent wind direction and the selected course of the boat to compensate for such changes, said control means having a slidable connection to said tiller, and aN adjustment element connected to said connection for varying the effective lever arm of said tiller.
 14. Self-steering apparatus for a sailboat or the like having a tiller, comprising a vane having a U-shaped tubular frame and wind-catching material between legs of said frame, a horizontal pivotal mounting for said vane, control lines connecting said vane and said tiller for actuating said tiller upon tilting of said vane about said horizontal mounting upon relative changes between the apparent wind direction and the selected course of the boat to compensate for such changes, said control lines being terminally secured to said tiller and having normally inactive portions extending partway therealong, and an adjustment cord also extending along said tiller and having a looped extremity embracing said tiller and said control lines and slidable along the same to vary the effective lever arm of said tiller. 